500 dead in Iranian earthquake

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale hit northern and western Iran this morning killing 500 and injuring more than 2000.

It hit the city of Bouynzahra in northwestern Qazvin province at 7.28 am, and was followed by 21 aftershocks. More than 12,000 are thought to be homeless.

The quake could be felt in Tehran, over 100 miles east. A total of eight provinces in the north and west of the country were affected by the quake.

Relief workers and aid agencies, including the nation's Red Crescent organisation, are travelling to the area, as well as dozens of helicopters.

Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, with almost daily tremors.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, attending the EU summit in Seville, said he was saddened to hear of the earthquake in Northern Iran. He extended his sympathy to the people in the region in particular the families of the dead and injured as well as to the Iranian government.

A Foreign Office spokesman added: "We are now establishing further details and are in touch with the Iranian authorities, Red Cross and United Nations.

"We are not aware of any British casualties at this stage.

"We will consider any request we receive for assistance from the Iranian government."